Which Documents should be verified before Purchase of a Flat?
Before you purchase a flat, you have to have a title and document search conducted by a competent advocate. You cannot do it yourself. You have to use the services of a competent advocate. It is a professional job to be done with professional assistance.

What is the difference between Built up Area, Super Built up Area and Carpet Area?
Carpet Area : This is the area of the Apartment / Building which does not include the area of the walls.
Built up Area : This includes the area of the walls also.
Super Built up Area : This includes the Built up Area along with the area under common spaces such as the Lobby, Lifts, Stairs etc. This term is therefore only applicable in the case of multi-dwelling units.

What are all the important documents one should check before buying any property?
If you want to purchase a property, you have to look at the approved layout plan, approved building plan, ownership documents, carryout search, etc. Contact an advocate before you purchase a property so that he can advise you.

Who is liable to pay Stamp Duty, the Buyer or the Seller?
The liability of paying Stamp Duty is that of the buyer unless there is an agreement to the contrary. Section 30 of the Bombay Stamp Act, 1958 states the liability for payment of Stamp Duty.

The Stamps are required to be purchased in whose name?
The Stamps are required to be purchased in the name of any one of the executors to the instrument.

What is meant by the market value of the property and whether Stamp Duty is payable on the market value of the property or on consideration as stated in the agreement?
Market value means the price at which a property could be bought in the open market on the date of execution of such instrument. Market Value is generally decided by the Stamp Duty Ready Recknor. The Stamp Duty is payable on the agreement value of the property or the market value which ever is higher.

Which are the instruments that attract payment of Stamp Duty on?
The instruments like Agreement to sell, Conveyance Deed, Exchange of Property, Gift Deed, Partition Deed, Power of Attorney, Settlement and Deed and Transfer of Lease attract Stamp Duty on market value of the property.

Who is the appropriate authority for knowing the market value of the property?
The Sub-Registrar of the area in whose jurisdiction the property is located is the appropriate authority for knowing the market value of the property.

What exactly do we mean by a Free Hold Flat? What are the advantages and disadvantages, if any?
A freehold property (plot or a flat) is one where there is a whole and sole owner(s) ownership is full and unconditional (within the provisions of the laws of the land) and there is not lessor / lessee involved.